Cemetery Policy Changes, Building Renovations Discussed at Cherryville Council Meeting

3:17 PM EST |March 26, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|Government, News Articles, Public Safety

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN)—The Cherryville City Council held its regular work session meeting on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025. The meeting addressed crucial city matters, including changes to the city’s cemetery policy and plans to renovate the community building.

Cemetery Policy Amended

The council voted unanimously to change the city’s cemetery policy, aiming for a clearer and more consistent upkeep. City Manager Brian Dalton led the discussion, emphasizing the need to eliminate the previous policy’s discretionary nature.

The gate located on Pink Street for the Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery. March 26th, 2025, by Mason Beam (WNN)

“The current policy had a lot of discretion, it puts a lot of…it doesn’t say when clean offs are going to be. It says anytime a city representative sees fit, they remove flowers,” Dalton explained.

The new policy mandates two annual cleanups: Two weeks before Thanksgiving and six weeks before Easter. This schedule aims to provide predictability for residents. “With the new policy, we feel like we’re going to give a guaranteed time,” Dalton stated. “It’s just two days per year that we’re going to clean the cemetery.”

To ensure community awareness, the city plans to utilize various communication channels, including social media, website postings, signs at the cemetery, and will be mentioned in the mayor’s comments during the next city council meeting.

Photo of the cemetery the day many of the arrangements were removed. March 7th, 2025, by Mason Beam (WNN)

Further cemetery discussions involved the possible requirement of vaults for traditional burials. Council members and funeral home representatives expressed concerns about ground cave-ins due to the absence of vaults. The council agreed to revisit this issue, acknowledging the potential financial impact on families, estimated at an additional $1,500.

Reappointment of Board Members

Planning and Zoning Director Richard Elam presented the council with the need to reappoint three individuals to the Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustments. Ed Yount, Reid Huss, and Frank Morehead, all of whom agreed to serve another term, were unanimously reappointed by the council.

Community Building Renovations Planned

The council also discussed planned renovations to the community building, including painting the exterior trim a brown color, removing shutters, as well as some awnings, and replacing rotten wood with vinyl. The renovations aim to improve the buildings’ appearance and reduce maintenance costs.

The J. Ralph Beam Sr. Cherryville Community Center. March 26th, 2025, by Mason Beam (WNN)

“We’re going to start with the community building, probably,” Dalton said, noting that the color scheme would be carried over to the nearby rescue squad building.

The council discussed lighting and awning options, with a focus on enhancing the visibility and appeal of the building. Interior renovations, including kitchen upgrades, will follow the exterior work.

The proposed color and new lighting for the renovations.

Other Business

During other business, Council Member Jill Puett shared concerns regarding two separate issues: the appearance of the new sign at Bill Edwards Park and damage to city water meters.

Puett requested that the posts supporting the sign at the park be painted as residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the unpainted posts. She also asked that the swings at the park be inspected, noting they are in bad condition.

The swingset in need of repair at Bill Edwards Park. March 26th, 2025 by Mason Beam (WNN)

Additionally, she expressed concern about potential damage to city water meters behind Home Folks Cafe in downtown Cherryville. Puett reported that large delivery trucks servicing the restaurant were driving over the meters, causing the lids to become misaligned and the surrounding ground to soften. She requested that City Manager Brian Dalton and Public Works Director Chris King assess the situation to prevent further damage to the newly installed meters.

Additionally, the council was informed that the Gaston Business Association plans to hold a countywide event in April, following a vote to postpone it from March.

The council reviewed preliminary budget documents, noting that final figures are pending insurance cost updates. The meeting adjourned without further business.

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